First visit for infants and toddlers
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association all recommend that a child see the dentist for the first time around his/her 1st birthday. This allows our team to develop a positive relationship with your child early on. We will evaluate your child's dental health, habits and dental development, making recommendations to prevent dental disease.
- Discussion on age appropriate brushing and flossing
- The importance of fluoride. Which form(s) to use and how much
- Nursing habits
- The use of bottles and sippy cups
- Thumb sucking, finger habits and pacifier use
- Information on growth and development
It is normal for infants and toddlers to sometimes cry at the first visit. We make every effort to make your little ones visit a happy experience. Parents are encouraged at every age to come back with their child, if they wish and be involved with the exam. Lap exams are common for very young children. The parent will hold the child and lay the head down in the dentist's lap. This helps the child to feel safe and secure. Each child will receive a home care kit including a Disney toothbrush and a age appropriate prize at the end of every visit.
Schedule dental visits at the best time during the day. Avoiding late afternoons and nap times for young children. Talk about the appointment beforehand with your toddler. Reading a toddler book about a first trip to the dentist is a great idea. You can also visit our website with your child and show them pictures of the doctors and staff. Be positive when talking about dental visits. Avoid any words such as "pain" or "hurt", which may cause unnecessary anxiety.
Pediatric dentists specialize in children and our team utilizes experience with special techniques that provide excellence in dental care.